Fame & Fortune: Bill Ripken
Some investments are risky, but they're in his dream -- Page 2

Bankrate: How do you pick products or services to endorse?

Bill Ripken: It's really easy. ... not too many people ask. It's much harder on Cal. "Junior" has to try to uphold an image. It's a direct reflection of the Ripken name. When something goes wrong, even if it's not our fault, we're the ones they'll look at. We don't partnership without looking. There are lots of companies that want to associate with Cal.

Bankrate: Who do you think should be the next commissioner of baseball?

Bill Ripken: I'm far from being qualified to judge that mess. We're more interested in grassroots. We like working with 10- to 12-year-olds, if you can keep the coaches and parents in check. With the majors, all the negatives are covered in the press before the positive. The positive, it doesn't seem to get the stroke. When the California teams were playing each other in the World Series, that series was great. But, it was the lowest-rated. Also, some areas, like Montreal, won't "take" to baseball. You have to write it off in my mind. The business of baseball, it has had some black eyes. The game? Nothing wrong with it.

Bankrate: Are minor leagues becoming more popular with the rising costs of attending major league games?

Bill Ripken: It's a great alternative to major league. With minor and major teams, there's no comparison, talentwise. It is what it is. With the minor leagues, it's affordable. There are no parking charges, and it's $6 a seat. We've got zany mascots. They're two different products. Cal calls the Ironbirds a "countywide high school reunion." We're sold out every day. There's easy access off Interstate 95. We have quick games. It's about people seeing people.

Bankrate: What areas of the world do you think are untapped for finding new players; for example, Africa, former Soviet bloc, Australia?

Bill Ripken: The Aussies are playing ball, it's a logical choice. Look at Japan: They have high, high quality players. Puerto Rico has a lot of big-league players. You're going to have to start at the grassroots level. You won't find big Soviets coming over here soon, though it's a great project to try. They'll have to start bring equipment over there and start with the kids.

Bankrate: Do you manage your own money?

Bill Ripken: I don't have any. No, I have somebody I trust.

Bankrate: Do you have favorite investments?

Bill Ripken: Most of my investments are conservative. The risky investments are the team and the academy. I don't have to have a whole lot of people telling me how to run a team. It's my dream. When I dream, it's nonconservative.